National News
India to Facilitate First-Ever Focused Working Group Discussions on Antarctic Tourism
India is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating the first-ever focused discussions on regulating tourism in Antarctica at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP). The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat will organise these meetings in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20 to May 30, 2024. Over 350 participants from nearly 40 nations are expected to attend.
International News
To Lam elected as the New President of Vietnam
To Lam, Vietnam’s former minister of public security, has been confirmed as the nation’s new president by the National Assembly. His rise comes amid an ongoing anti-corruption campaign that has shaken the country’s political establishment and business elites, resulting in multiple high-level government changes.
Spain Becomes 99th Member of International Solar Alliance
Spain has officially become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The Instrument of Ratification was handed over by Spain’s Ambassador to India, José María Ridao Domínguez, to Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a meeting in New Delhi.
EU Approves World’s First Major AI Law
The European Union has given the final green light to the AI Act, marking a historic step in regulating artificial intelligence. This groundbreaking legislation establishes comprehensive rules to ensure trust, transparency, and accountability in AI technologies while fostering innovation within Europe.
State News
Assam’s DRIMS: Revolutionizing Disaster Management
Assam has taken a significant step towards enhancing its disaster management capabilities with the launch of the Disaster Reporting and Information Management System (DRIMS). This state-of-the-art digital platform, an initiative of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), aims to streamline the reporting and assessment of damages caused by various disasters, enabling prompt disbursal of aid to those affected.
Appointments News
Ramesh Babu V. Sworn in as Member of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
Shri Ramesh Babu V. has taken the oath of office and secrecy as a Member of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) on May 21, 2024. The oath was administered by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh.
Rushabh Gandhi Appointed as MD and CEO of IndiaFirst Life Insurance
The board of IndiaFirst Life Insurance has approved the promotion of Rushabh Gandhi, the current Deputy Chief Executive Officer, to the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD and CEO). Gandhi’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the company, aligning with its succession strategy.
Defence News
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Attends Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan attended the ‘Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024’ on May 22, 2024, emphasizing the critical importance of enhancing India’s cyber defence capabilities. Conducted by the Defence Cyber Agency from May 20 to May 24, 2024, this comprehensive cyber defence exercise aims to bolster collaboration and integration among military and national agencies, advancing the nation’s cyber defence readiness.
Awards News
NTPC Shines at ATD BEST Awards 2024
The public sector company NTPC has secured the third rank in the world for the Talent Development category at the prestigious ATD BEST Awards 2024. The award ceremony was held in New Orleans, United States of America, on 21 May 2024. Ms. Rachana Singh Bhal, NTPC’s chief general manager strategic HR & talent management, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Banking News
Record Rs 2.11 Lakh Crore RBI Dividend to Central Government for 2023-24
The Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the transfer of Rs 2.11 lakh crore as a dividend to the Government of India for the financial year 2023-24. This announcement was made after the Central Board of Directors meeting on 22 May 2024 in Mumbai. This is the highest-ever dividend despite the Contingent Buffer Risk being increased to 6.5% for 2023-24.
Business News
Swiggy Fortifies Fraud Prevention with SHIELD Partnership
Online food delivery platform Swiggy has partnered with SHIELD, a device-first risk AI platform, to bolster its fraud prevention and detection capabilities. This strategic move aims to address promo abuse and deter fraudulent practices within Swiggy’s Delivery Partner ecosystem.
IOCL Exports Premium Fuel XP100 to Sri Lanka
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) has marked a significant milestone by exporting its first-ever consignment of 100 octane premium fuel, XP100, to Sri Lanka. The high-quality fuel, designed for premium high-end vehicles, was shipped from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Mumbai. This event highlights IOCL’s commitment to expanding its global reach and showcasing the quality of its products.
India’s Market Capitalization Reaches $5 Trillion Milestone
In a significant stride, India’s market capitalization has surged to $5 trillion, marking a historic achievement. This remarkable feat was accomplished in under six months since surpassing the $4 trillion mark, showcasing the nation’s robust economic resilience and investor confidence.
SIDBI Partners with Airbus Helicopters to Finance Helicopter Purchases in India
SIDBI, in collaboration with Airbus Helicopters, has entered the realm of helicopter financing in India through a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to facilitate the financing of Airbus helicopters for potential civil operators in the country.
Important Days
Vesak 2024: Celebrating the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing of the Buddha
Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, is the most sacred day for millions of Buddhists around the world. It is a day that commemorates three significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment, and his passing away (Parinirvana).
